Andrew Copson- Secularism: politics, religion, and freedom

Chief Executive of Humanists UK and President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), Andrew Copson, will be joining us on the 1st of February to discuss his book “Secularism: Politics, Religion, and Freedom.

Secularism is an increasingly hot topic in public, political, and religious debate across the globe. It is embodied in the conflict between secular republics – from the US to India – and the challenges they face from resurgent religious identity politics; in the challenges faced by religious states like those of the Arab world from insurgent secularists; and in states like China where calls for freedom of belief are challenging a state-imposed non-religious worldview.

In his new book Andrew tells the story of secularism, taking in momentous episodes in world history, such as the great transition of Europe from religious orthodoxy to pluralism, the global struggle for human rights and democracy, and the origins of modernity.

Andrew is Chief Executive of Humanists UK (formerly the British Humanist Association). He became Chief Executive in 2010 after five years coordinating Humanists UK’s education and public affairs work. Andrew is also President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).

Together with A C Grayling, Andrew edited the Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism (2015). His new book, Secularism: Politics, Religion, and Freedom, was published in September 2017 by Oxford University Press. He writes widely across the media and appears often in broadcast media representing a humanist point of view.

Date: 1 February 2018

Time: 19.30 – 21.00

Entry by donation at door and to be followed by a wine reception. Our events and talks are free and open to the public, member and non-members alike. We are a non-profit organisation that receives no funding from external groups or the government. Our campaigns and events are funded by the generous donations of our members and supporters.